Three days passed.
The lord of the Land of Wind finally began transporting supplies to the Sand Village.
This time, he did not pretend to be poor. Even if they were defeated again, he would still have room to negotiate peace with the Land of Fire.
However, these supplies alone were far from enough to resolve the crisis.
Rin was the first to return and report to the Third Kazekage, yet there was no trace of joy on his face.
Everything had unfolded exactly as expected. After all, the daimyō was no fool.
"How much longer before the supplies arrive?" the Third Kazekage asked.
Inside the Kazekage's office, his face remained haggard, his voice hoarse.
"I've already urged them to speed up. It should take another week," Rin replied respectfully, standing before the desk.
"That's still too slow."
The Third Kazekage shook his head helplessly. He knew there was nothing more he could do—transporting such vast quantities of supplies simply could not be done faster by manpower alone.
"Should I send people to press them harder?" Rin asked cautiously.
"No need. Inform the village—prepare to depart in one week."
After giving the order, the Third Kazekage waved Rin away.
"Master Bunpuku, you've seen it for yourself."
"This battle concerns the very survival of our village."
Standing beside him was a bald man, none other than Bunpuku, the One-Tail Jinchūriki.
"You must give it your all."
Bunpuku still looked middle-aged—lean, lightly bearded, with a polished bald head gleaming under the light.
From the day the Second Kazekage sealed Shukaku inside him, he had known this moment would eventually come.
Unlike Gaara, he bore no dark circles beneath his eyes, appearing well-rested—proof of the harmonious relationship he shared with Shukaku.
"Understood."
The Third Kazekage pressed his palms together and bowed slightly. He fully understood the power of a perfect Jinchūriki.
"You're too courteous, Third Kazekage."
After returning the courtesy, Bunpuku turned and left.
Soon after, another knock sounded at the door.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
Not knowing who stood outside, the Third Kazekage allowed a rare smile to appear on his face.
"Teacher."
A boy of fifteen or sixteen stepped inside. He had short brown hair, wore black shinobi attire, and a mesh undershirt beneath.
"Rasa? What brings you here?" the Third Kazekage asked gently.
The visitor was the future Fourth Kazekage—Gaara's father.
This was his only disciple, heir to his Magnet Release, and a rare genius of Sunagakure.
"I want to go to the battlefield and contribute to the village," Rasa said firmly, locking eyes with his teacher.
"Very well. You are worthy to be my student."
"Prepare yourself. You'll be going with me."
The Third Kazekage agreed. Originally, he had planned to keep Rasa behind as a safeguard for the village's future.
But as his sole disciple, Rasa had every right to walk this path.
"Thank you, teacher."
Joy flashed across Rasa's face as he turned and left.
"Ah…"
After Rasa departed, the Third Kazekage let out a long sigh. He had no confidence at all in this coming war.
While Sunagakure made its preparations, Konoha was hardly idle.
Konoha Camp, Land of Wind
Dai had awakened, but he still needed rest and could not yet move freely.
The poison in Sakumo's body had been fully purged, and he had returned to full health.
After three days of rest, Tsunade summoned the key figures to discuss their next move.
"Good news has already reached Konoha. Sensei is extremely pleased."
"I hope we can take the Sand Village in one decisive push."
"This victory was only possible through everyone's efforts. I'll personally report each of your contributions."
Seated at the head, Tsunade now carried the air of a true commander, steadily earning everyone's trust.
The meeting officially began, starting as usual with intelligence reports.
"Hayato, please brief us on Sunagakure's latest movements."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
"Based on our limited intelligence, the Third Kazekage has begun preparing for war."
"I may need to personally investigate further. There's still no word on their Jinchūriki."
"I suspect he will enter the battlefield."
Hayato summarized the crucial information and glanced toward Kawakaze.
The Third Kazekage would have to be dealt with by him.
"That aligns with my expectations," Kawakaze said calmly, a confident smile on his face.
"The initiative is firmly in our hands now."
"Even if he doesn't want to, the Third Kazekage has no choice but to fight."
After hearing this, the Konoha elites nodded in agreement.
The Third Kazekage had been forced into a corner. He had no way out.
"Then shall we continue advancing toward the heart of the Land of Wind?" Tsunade asked.
"I agree," Sakumo responded immediately.
"I'm afraid I won't be much help," Dai said with a bitter smile. He still needed time to recover.
"You'll stay here and rest until you're fully healed," Tsunade decided. The Eight Gates were powerful, but the backlash was terrifying.
According to her evaluation, Dai still needed years of rigorous training to fully master the Seven Gates.
"Alright. I'll wait for your good news," Dai said, flashing his dazzling white smile—the only part of him that didn't seem to hurt.
"The sooner, the better. We leave tomorrow," Kawakaze declared.
"Shinku, the camp is back under your control."
No one objected.
"Be careful out there," Yūhi Shinku replied calmly, already accustomed to her role as the supply line once again stretched deeper into enemy territory.
"Then go prepare."
With Tsunade's words, the meeting adjourned.
Sakumo helped Dai outside, leaving only Kawakaze and Tsunade in the room.
"How has Nanayo been lately?" Kawakaze asked.
He wasn't sure how much power Tsunade could draw from the Seven-Tails, nor whether there was any risk of losing control.
If the beast rampaged, the losses would outweigh any gains.
"It's fine. I just talk too much," Tsunade said, rubbing her temples.
She had been extremely busy, and the Seven-Tails had been constantly pestering her. She hadn't properly rested in days.
"Is there any chance of a riot?" Kawakaze pressed.
He didn't expect Tsunade to become a perfect Jinchūriki—he only hoped she could keep the tailed beast in check.
Making friends was always the hardest part.
She shook her head.
Covering her forehead, Tsunade thought helplessly: What kind of beast is this? I really wish it would come out and chat with people.
"Then I'm relieved," Kawakaze said, scratching his head. Nanayo really did have a good temper.
Would she end up fighting Shukaku?
Kawakaze only knew that Shukaku harbored deep hatred for the Nine-Tails, always calling it a "stinking fox" whenever they met.
He said the raccoon was ferocious and loved destroying things.
"He's naturally jealous of anyone with more tails than him," Tsunade said.
"He might not be the best candidate."
Becoming the Seven-Tails' host—was it truly a blessing to understand herself this clearly?
"Don't encourage others to become more ambitious and destroy their own reputation."
"You're the only flying tailed beast."
"Your chakra reserves rank third."
Though Kawakaze knew Nanayo's actual combat power wasn't exceptional, he still wanted to encourage her—they were teammates now.
His voice carried sincere expectation and encouragement.
"Chakra quantity doesn't equal combat strength," Tsunade replied.
"When you defeat him, you won't care whether he can fly or not."
With that, she burst into laughter.
"This Nanayo is really fascinating."
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